Flip Flop Rider

have use conti's for a few years. almost flat proof.

saw pics of panaracer gravel kings and gravel kings sk, and they look so soft and supple, like a more comfy ride (all this based on looking at pictures yea)

anybody use them or have used them? what were your experiences

how's the flat protection vs, conti gatorskins

or you could recommend a tire that's even better than the panaracer's!

mostly just looking for something different with a different feel while riding. speed not really important

thanks!

Moe Zhoost

I put a set of Gravel King SKs (43-622)on my hybrid and like them quite a bit. I only have about 600 miles on them, though. I've used them 50/50 paved and gravel and found them comfortable and competent. Have had no flats yet (ok, now I've jinxed myself). The tread pattern makes a bit of a hum on very smooth surfaces but it's not bad.

Haven't tried the gatorskins.

Elvo

Gp5000

mstateglfr 

flat protections totally depends on where and how you ride.

I havent had a flat in a few years of road and gravel riding. It may be the tires I use(likely to a degree), it may be where I ride(not likely), and it may be how I ride(likely).

The SK in 43mm kicks up loose small gravel, from what Ive read. Its a well regarded tire otherwise.

Continental 4 season is a good tire for speed, protection, and feel.
Continental GP 4K is a very good tire for speed, protection, and feel.

No idea what width you want to ride(your mentioned tires come in a lot of widths) so suggesting more specifics would be a waste of time.



It boils down to this- how and where you ride is hugely important when it comes to flats. Oh, and gatorskin tires ride like frozen hoses so just about anything will feel better.

Slightspeed

I've been a big fan of Gatorskins for years, for all kinds of reasons. I like the flat protection, nearly bullet proof, though a radial tire wire got one last week. I like how they ride and handle. I actually like harder riding tires and usually run around 100 psi. I've also been riding Panaracer Paselas 28s (no experience with Gravel Kings) on some vintage bikes. I've had a set of Paselas on a '73 Super Course for 3 years, and like the ride and durability (2 flats in 3000 miles), mostly paved roads, but some gravel and dirt fire roads, too. I recently built another Super Course, a 1978, but similar to my '73. I put a spare set of wheels on it with Gatorskin 28s, and did about 10 miles on a tune up and fit adjustment ride yesterday. Man, those Gators ride hard compared to the Paselas on the other bike. I think I'll switch wheels with the Paselas and see if it is really the tires, or the frame that makes the new SC ride harder. Not sure if this helps, but my .02.

My '73 SC on Panaracer Pasela 28s.

My '78 SC on Gatorskin 28s. (The camo bar tape is temporary)

stevel610 

Interesting you would choose a treaded vs non-treaded.

I have Hard Shell and Regular Gatorskins. Regular are more supple. No flats on either.

Flip Flop Rider

I know right. Have always ridden no tread, but the treaded look ok and I'm curious

Jrasero

I had the Panaracer GK 1.9" on a hardtail and my biggest complaint was weight. The ones I got were tubeless compatible and if I kept that bike I probably would have converted them. Other than that they were supple and rolled well due to having little resistance but defiantly were more of a road packed dirt tire

https://imgur.com/iR3hWdU

fishboat

Gravel Kings have been discussed fairly often in the last year. Try a search for Panaracer.

This was in the last month or so:
GKs

and others:
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycl...ings-28mm.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/cyclocros...-sk-g-one.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...r-tires-2.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycl...ood-tires.html

Chris!

100% contis. I have been riding them for years and love the way they feel, handle, never get flats. I ride on the roads at about 100+ PSI and still no flats. I was changing a set on some new rims and the casing around the metal bead tore. I emailed them and they replaced it after sending out a few pics. If it ain't broke dont fix it. Cant go wrong the the gatorskins.

DrIsotope

Life is too short to ride Gators.

Teamprovicycle

where are you riding ???
its hard to recommend a tire based on what you want ,
tires are used for a purpose ,
if i was going all road it would be gp4000 forever ,
if i was racing a road , maybe a pro one or gp5000 ,
if i was TTing maybe a TT tire ,
i know gator skins waste energy and provide nothing in performance ,
other than absorbing street glass so the other riders can have a flat free ride lololol!!!!!!!

Witterings

OP .... You don't mention what type of riding you're doing ... road / gravel mix or just road and what width tyre your bike can take.

I use the GK's on my bike in the winter where we hit some mud but for summer switch for a smoother tread and have been using Vittoria Voyager Hypers which have just been discontinued,.

I very recently had a thread looking for something similar and a few people suggested either Schwalbe Marathon Supremes or Panaracer Paselas but I haven't got round to ordering them yet.

If you want more tread for gravel / winter riding the GK's are brilliant.